Sunshine (Vic.)

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Analyzing population updates from the ABS for the broader region alongside address registries validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Sunshine (Vic.) is estimated to have a population of approximately 10,164 in May 2026. This represents a growth of 719 individuals (7.6%) compared to the 2021 Census, which recorded 9,445 residents. This demographic change is deduced from a resident population count of 10,151 calculated by Districts, which drew on the ABS's June 2025 ERP data release and an additional 175 validated new addresses since the Census. Such a population size corresponds to a density of 2,148 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average across national locations evaluated by Districts. The 7.6% expansion rate in the suburb of Sunshine (Vic.) since the 2021 census outpaced the SA3 region (2.1%), establishing it as a local growth leader. Overseas migration was the primary driver of this demographic expansion, accounting for approximately 89.0% of the overall population growth during recent periods.

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Data from Districts shows Sunshine possesses a highly educated labor force with broad industry representation, an unemployment rate of 6.9%, and an estimated job growth rate of 2.7% over the past year. In March 2026, there were 5,548 employed residents, with the local unemployment rate sitting 2.1% higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 4.8%, while participation in the workforce closely matches the metropolitan benchmark of 70.2%. Census figures indicate that a high proportion of residents, 27.2%, worked from home, though this figure reflects the influence of pandemic lockdowns.

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The latest postcode-level ATO statistics for financial year 2023 show that incomes in Sunshine fall below the national benchmarks, with the median recorded at $54,025 and the average at $62,581. This is lower than the Greater Melbourne median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023 yields updated estimates of approximately $59,222 for the median and $68,601 for the average as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes in the suburb are modest, placing between the 29th and 39th percentiles. Income distribution shows the largest segment contains 31.1% of residents (3,161 individuals) earning within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which is comparable to the metropolitan proportion of in the same category. Financial pressure from housing is significant, with residents retaining only of their income, ranking at the th percentile.

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The housing profile in Sunshine at the time of the Census consisted of 69.4% detached houses and 30.6% semi-detached properties, apartments, or other dwelling types, compared to 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings across metropolitan Melbourne. Homeownership rates in Sunshine were slightly below the metropolitan average at 27.9%, with the remaining dwellings split between mortgaged properties (29.9%) and rentals (42.2%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,842 and median weekly rent of $340 were both below the metropolitan averages of $2,000 and $390. Looking nationally, mortgage payments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are below the national figure of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 66.8%, consisting of couples with children at 28.9%, couples without children at 21.7%, and single parents at 13.6%. Non-family households account for the remaining 33.2%, which is comprised of single-person households at 25.5% and group households at 7.7%. The median household size is 2.6 people, matching the metropolitan Melbourne average.

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Education statistics in Sunshine are strong, with 35.4% of residents aged 15 and over holding tertiary qualifications, compared to 23.9% across the broader SA3 area. This provides the local workforce with a strong foundation for knowledge-sector roles. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 22.6%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 9.8% and graduate diplomas at 3.0%. Vocational courses account for 24.2% of qualifications among residents aged 15 and over, comprising advanced diplomas at 9.4% and certificates at 14.8%.

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Public transport infrastructure includes 100 active stops within Sunshine, combining train and bus services. These stops are connected to 31 distinct routes, which support 14,067 passenger journeys weekly. Transport accessibility is high, with residents living an average of 131 meters from the nearest stop. The neighborhood is mostly residential, and most workers commute out of the area. Cars are the primary transport mode at 72%, followed by trains at 16% and buses at 6%. Average vehicle ownership is 1.0 per household, which is below the metropolitan average. A high proportion of residents, 27.2%, work from home, based on the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-related conditions.

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Health outcomes for the local population are generally positive, with analysis of mortality rates and chronic illnesses showing results that align with national averages. The incidence of common health issues is typical across both younger and older cohorts, while the level of private health coverage is low, with approximately 52% of the population (~5,244 people) holding policies, compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne.

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Sunshine ranks highly for multicultural representation nationally, with 51.3% of residents born outside Australia and 56.6% speaking a language other than English in the home. Christianity is the largest religious affiliation, representing 40.1% of the population. A notable concentration is seen in Buddhism, which accounts for 11.1% of local residents, compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 4.2%.

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The median age of 35 years makes Sunshine slightly younger than Greater Melbourne at 37 and the national average of 38. The 25 - 34 age segment represents 20.1% of the population, showing strong representation compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 5 - 14 demographic is less common at 10.2%. The concentration of residents aged 25 - 34 is higher than the national figure of 14.6%. Since 2021, the 65 to 74 age group has increased from 6.8% to 7.9% of the population, whereas the 25 to 34 group has decreased from 21.0% to 20.1%. Population projections for 2041 suggest changes ahead, with the to demographic expected to rise by people (), growing from to .

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Sunshine currently has an estimated 579 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 341 children aged 0-2 and 227 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 1% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 16% by 2041 (to approximately 671 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 829. Birth rates in the area have averaged 13.0 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a high rate (among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.